Category: Destinations by counties

Indian Brook Falls, Garrison

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Sitting on one of the many blouders surrounding the majestic forty foot Indian Brook Waterfalls in Garrison is one of the most peaceful experiences in the Hudson Valley.  The falls have a bit of an amphitheater feel to with the Indian Brook Falls leading the performance on stage and the visitors having a front row seat.  The falls are part of the Indian Brook as it meanders its way to the Hudson River.  A falls are a  short half a mile walk from the parking lot.  For exact directions, check out the link to the awesome Hike the Hudson Valley trail guide below.  It’s not a nice paved walk but it’s not a very strenuous walk either.  Just involves walking over some rocks.  Once you get to the falls area you can wander around based on how adventurous you feel and what mother nature has planned for it’s visitors.  It is pretty hard to get up to the falls in early spring or after heavy rains.  In the fall the water flow slows down to a trickle but is awesome to visit with brilliant colors all around!  This is another destination that is so different in each season and a place to visit at least 4 times a year.

DIRECTIONS & PARKING

To find the parking lot, plugin in 127 Warren Landing Rd, Garrison, NY 10524 into your GPS.  The parking lot can only hold eight cars and they are very strict about handing out tickets if you are not parked in one of those spots.  Arrive early on weekends.  The parking lot is shared with the Constitution Marsh.

USEFUL LINKS

Hike the Hudson Valley’s trail guide

Madam Brett Park, Beacon

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Located in the city of Beacon is another Scenic Hudson gem.  Madam Brett Park houses the beautiful Tioronda Falls and offers a short trail along the Fishkill Creek leading to the Fishkill Marsh.  This is yet another former industrial site in Beacon that has been transformed into a beautiful area to connect with nature.  It is amazing to observe the history of Beacon by just following the Fishkill Creek!

From the parking lot, if you head east you can get to Tioronda falls in a minute or two.  The falls are a series of mini cascades.  The falls are beautiful in all seasons and it is almost like visiting a new place in each season.  Roaring in the spring, lush green in the summer, colorful in the summer, and a winter wonderland in the winter months!  There are a variety of spots to watch the falls from.  As you walk along the trail, you will first spot some steps that take you down to the creek.  This is a nice spot to see the creek and usually spot the some fish & birds.  If you continue along the trail, the next stop is a pedestal like area where the trail ends and you get a view of the falls from high above.  If you feel a bit more adventurous, you can continue to walk across the spillway, climb up a ladder and take in the best view of the falls and the creek!

The marsh is a wonderful place to catch colorful sunsets and watch a variety of native and migratory birds.  The Marsh is about a half mile round trip stroll from the parking lot.  Just walk towards the old brick building and follow the trail along the creek til you see a small path on your left.  The path will lead you a small platform from you can relax watching the sunset.

 

DIRECTIONS & PARKING

To find the parking lot, plugin in 552 South Ave, Beacon, NY 12508 into your GPS.  The parking lot can only hold around a dozen cars but I have rarely seen it get filled up.

USEFUL LINKS

Scenic Hudson’s Madam Brett Park page

Long Dock Park, Beacon

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Long Dock Park in Beacon is one of the most scenic and accessible parks in the Hudson Valley and my favorite place in the Hudson Valley.  There is very little work one has to do to enjoy some amazing views.  Located on the banks of the Hudson River right next to the Beacon train station, Long Dock Park offers spectacular views of the river, Newburgh, and the Hudson Highlands.  An old abandoned industrial complex, which at various point has housed a rail ferry terminal, warehouse, oil terminal, and a salt-storage facility, the park has now been fully cleaned up by Scenic Hudson and has been restored to a family friendly recreation area.  The highlights of the park include Beacon Point, the colorful red barn housing Scenic Hudson’s River Center, and a scenic mile long trail along the river connecting the park to Denning’s Point.  The main attraction is Beacon Point which is a boat like structure jutting out into the river designed by famous artist George Trakas.  There is no better place to relax and soak in views of the river and mountains.  When the tide is low you can even walk into the river bed from near the Beacon Point area.  Remember to wander over to the neighboring Beacon waterfront area to enjoy more great views!

(Source: Scenic Hudson)

 

DIRECTIONS & PARKING

To find the parking lot, plugin in 8 Long Dock Rd., Beacon, NY 12508 into your GPS.  There is plenty of parking available at the park.  During special events, you can park at the beacon train station (remember to pay if needed) and walk down.

USEFUL LINKS

Scenic Hudson’s Long Dock Park page

Hudson Valley Magazine’s review of Long Dock